Czechia joins statement on security of Hormuz Strait

Czechia has joined a group of 14 countries expressing willingness to help ensure safe navigation through the strategic Hormuz Strait, a key global oil and gas transit route. The joint statement, originally signed by countries including Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan, comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East and growing threats to shipping in the region. The move follows a sharp deterioration in security. Since early March, at least 21 incidents involving commercial vessels have been reported, with several attacks and casualties among crews. Maritime traffic through the strait has dropped by as much as 97 percent, severely disrupting global energy supplies. Around 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the wider region.